Understanding Patients' Preferences for Referrals to Specialists for an Asymptomatic Condition

Conclusions: In the setting of a referral for an asymptomatic but serious condition, out-of-pocket costs are important to patients; however, they also value specialists who collaborate and communicate well with their primary care providers and who practice shared decision making. Patients have wide variability in preferences for specialists, and referral decisions should be individualized.
Source: Medical Decision Making - Category: Health Management Authors: Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research